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1999 Mercedes-Benz S500 Grand Edition

The W140 Mercedes-Benz S500 Grand Edition is a one of those cars that you probably forgot about if you knew they existed in the first place. I looked at a really nice one about a year ago and they don’t pop up for sale all that often. I’m sure that has a lot to do with just 600 of these cars ever made, but a lot of times when I do see them for sale they are in a pretty sad state. Chalk that up to the W140 not really being a collectible yet and the market still really soft on them, but I think this car has some serious potential to be a in demand model when it comes to Mercedes enthusiasts. If you want the best of what the W140 has to offer and don’t want to fully dive in with a S600, then the S500 Grand Edition is probably going to be your answer. This example up for sale in California is probably the nicest one I’ve seen come up for sale in a long time and I’m even more surprised at it’s condition given its four owners and over 100,000 miles. The question is, are you willing to pony up a heavy premium for such a nice example?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1999 Mercedes-Benz S500 Grand Edition on eBay

Year: 1999
Model: S500
Engine: 5.0 liter V8
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Mileage: 105,811 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

This 1999 Mercedes W140 S500 Grand Edition was originally sold at Walnut Creek Mercedes and has been in California since new. Only 600 of the Grand Editions were made worldwide and were hand built. Mercedes enthusiast all agree that this was the last of the over built Mercedes. The Grand Editions were exclusively finished in Obsidian Black with Parchment Nappa Leather with real Burl Walnut combination. Grand Editions had exclusive options such as illuminated door sills, floor mats and 18″ AMG Aero Monoblock sport wheels.

This car is a very high quality car which has placed 1st place in several local Mercedes Club Concours. The engine and chassis have undergone extensive detailing performed by Good Speed Motoring in Modesto, Ca and looks like it did when it left the factory. All the paint is original (Paint Depth Meter Verified) and is in excellent condition with no cracking or fading. The interior is in excellent condition and includes a brand new set of factory Grand Edition floor mats (no longer available). The burl walnut is in excellent condition with no cracks. This car has always been garaged.

Recent service includes transmission service, radiator & brake fluid renewal, replaced air suspension and bladder, valve cover gasket, new factory Mercedes windshield and gasket, Michelin tires, refinished rims, cabin and carbon filter, factory head light lenses and much more. I also have all records from new including build sheet as well as two sets of keys.

Will not find a nicer one!

Please Call Me for Questions 408 210 2599

Key Features:

5.0 Liter V8 32valve 315hp 5 speed automatic transmission
Double-paned soundproofed glass was a new S-Class innovation first fitted on the W140. This form of window glazing allowed for improved soundproofing, reduced condensation, and other insulation benefits. Electrically-operated exterior mirrors could be folded at the flick of a switch to ease driving in narrow spaces.
Bose Audio with 5 disc changer
Keyless Entry
Parameter steering’ was a system which made low-speed driving easier by reducing the effort required to maneuver in speed-sensitive situations such as parking.
12-way powered, heated front seats, with 3 setting memory functions and lumbar support.
Windshield wipers with heated washer system including Rain Sensing
Electrically operated automatic dimming inside rear view mirror that tied into the seat and steering wheel memory
Power adjustable steering wheel
Heater exterior mirrors
Orthopedic seats with several different air cushion in the seat that can inflate and deflate
Dual Zone Climate Control
Heated Rear Seats
Climate Control system could be set to operate for 20 mins after the engine had been turned off.
Electric Rear Sushade
Rear passenger illuminated vanity mirrors
Self Closing Doors and Truck
TeleAid emergency and tracking system

From Mercedes Benz Club of America:

Well-built and durable bodies and mechanical components have fared well

Corrosion resistance continually improved (although road salt in some parts of the country may have allowed the tin worm to do its damage)

Low wind resistance helps maintain a quiet cabin and, given the big engine, improves fuel economy

Comfort for driver and passengers is way above average for cars from this time frame and allows for all-day driving without back aches

These cars make a statement by their very size and presence

Power and smoothness in the W140 are more than adequate, making these supreme touring cars; cross-country trips are very feasible

Safety features – some electronically controlled – were state-of-the-art for the 1990s

If you can find a W140 in good condition, you will discover that it is a magnificent vehicle to own. Because of its size, it definitely makes a statement, but it will also provide a superior touring experience – allowing day-long drives in quiet comfort. Because of their styling, the coupes are, as usual, the more desirable cars for enthusiasts, but the four-door sedans offer ease of entry and are roomy, comfortable, and elegant. One good friend is a realtor and uses his S500 to take his valued clients to desirable properties. It may not be totally because of his W140, but he is very successful.

-Richard Simonds

I have to admit, I am really impressed with this car both cosmetically and mechanically and from reading the owner’s description of this car, I understand why. This one looks like it was a no expense spared vehicle to the point where the owner was entering it into Mercedes shows and actually winning â€” an admittedly tough task for any W140. Everything looks nearly showroom fresh and that beautiful Burl Walnut wood looks outstanding. The seats look great and even the Grand Edition floor mats have very little, if any, flaws in them. This is an example of how great a new W140 was when it rolled off the lot and explains why people plunked down nearly $90,000 in 1999 to buy one. I do think that if you could still use this car regularly and keep it in this condition as long as you are diligent about maintenance and cosmetic upkeep.

The starting price for the auction is a hair under $16,000 and while that number looks high for a non-S600 W140, I have a tough time arguing against it. Yes, you can get a comparable condition W140 with half the miles for a few thousand less, but I do think the Grand Edition upgrades carry some weight here that are reflected in the ultimate selling price. Is it worth it? If you plan on keeping this car for the long haul, I’d say so. I doubt these will be any cheaper seeing as the W220 doesn’t have any models that will leave anyone clamoring for and the W221/W222 are in a different dimension when it comes to trying to maintain when the car reaches out of warranty. So if you really love the W140 and have been waiting for just the right one, I have no doubt that this one can satisfy you.

– Andrew

5 Comments

  1. Ed
    Ed September 27, 2018

    I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the W140 remains one of the most impressive sedans I have ever driven. Afterwards I spent some time behind the wheel of a W220 and it felt inferior in every aspect. The W140 was a prime example of the old Mercedes “spare no expense” approach. This particular car is stunning, I wish I were in a position to pick it up because it looks like a great example.

  2. Jeff
    Jeff September 27, 2018

    These really are the best of the W140’s.

  3. Bushwick Bob
    Bushwick Bob September 29, 2018

    These cars had air suspensions? I am dubious about the claim. Thought they had “ADS” with self-leveling.

    Also why do some owners remove and not replace the plastic covers on the front of the cylinder banks?

  4. Andrew
    Andrew September 29, 2018

    @Bob They didn’t. Don’t know why the seller stated that.

  5. Douglas M DeBoard
    Douglas M DeBoard November 17, 2018

    Just drove a ’99 Grand Edition, 66K, Florida Car, that’s quite original
    former older lady car. I’m considering buying it for resale as I already
    have a S420. Great example of the end of an era.
    Anyone interested?

Comments are closed.